CVE-2023-2122 in Image Optimizer Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/16/2023
The Image Optimizer by 10web WordPress plugin before 1.0.27 does not sanitise and escape the iowd_tabs_active parameter before rendering it in the plugin admin panel, leading to a reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability, allowing an attacker to trick a logged in admin to execute arbitrary javascript by clicking a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2122 affects the Image Optimizer plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 1.0.27 developed by 10web. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the plugin's administrative interface and poses significant risks to WordPress sites utilizing this component. The vulnerability manifests as a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability, which occurs when user-supplied input is improperly handled within the plugin's administrative context.
The technical flaw stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitise and escape the iowd_tabs_active parameter before incorporating it into the HTML output of the admin panel. This parameter is typically used to determine which tab should be active in the plugin's user interface. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing crafted javascript code within this parameter, and successfully persuades a logged-in administrator to click the link, the malicious script gets executed within the administrator's browser context. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious payload is reflected back from the server to the victim's browser without being stored, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a potential vector for privilege escalation and further exploitation within the compromised WordPress environment. Since the vulnerability requires an administrator to click a malicious link, it typically falls under social engineering attack patterns that align with the ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution phases. The reflected XSS vulnerability allows attackers to potentially steal administrator session cookies, execute unauthorized administrative actions, or redirect victims to malicious sites that can further exploit the compromised session.
The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper sanitization. This weakness in the plugin's input handling process creates an attack surface that can be exploited by threat actors to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions. The specific context of this vulnerability being within the WordPress plugin admin panel makes it particularly dangerous as administrators typically have elevated privileges and access to sensitive site configurations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the Image Optimizer plugin to version 1.0.27 or later, which contains the necessary sanitization and escaping mechanisms for the iowd_tabs_active parameter. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as regular security audits of installed WordPress plugins, monitoring for suspicious administrative activities, and implementing content security policies that limit the execution of inline scripts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though the most effective solution remains the immediate application of the vendor's security patch.